Introduction

1. Introduction When parents are not able to resolve disputes about child custody after divorce, the court may require a clinical psychologist’s help in conducting a psychological assessment on custody arrangement. Purpose of Custody Evaluation The guiding principle of Custody Evaluation is to safeguard the best interests of the child. The clinical psychologist will provide expert opinions to the Court on issues relating to custody, access, and/or childcare arrangements. Custody Evaluation is not to determine which parent wins or loses, nor to decide who is to blame for the divorce. In general, the following areas will be examined in detail:  1    The developmental needs of the child(ren); 2. The relative strengths and weaknesses of both parents in childcare; 3.The interactions among family members. Process A comprehensive, objective, multi-source and multi-modal approach is used in the custody evaluation process, which may require several interviews with each parent and child. The process consists of the following: 1. Interview 1.1   To interview each parent and each child individually; 1.2   To interview relative(s) who is/are living with the child(ren), e.g. step-parents, grandparents; 1.3If necessary, the parents and child(ren) are interviewed conjointly. 2.Observation Observing the interaction of each parent with each child. 3. Collateral Information The responsible clinical psychologist will review previous records on all parties (parents and child), e.g. psychological or medical reports. If necessary, the clinical psychologist will also gather information from: 3.1The parent’s previous and/or present doctor, psychologist, counselor, social worker etc. 3.2The child(ren)’s previous and/or present doctor, psychologist, counselor, social worker etc. 3.3 The school of the child(ren). 4.Psychological Testing The clinical psychologist will administer psychological testing to each parent and/or each child on a need basis. Assessment Report   The clinical psychologist will compile a report based on the information collected from the assessment and submit it to the court.

2. CUSTODY EVALUATION Social Welfare Department Clinical Psychological Service Branch Produced by the Working Group on Custody Evaluation Clinical Psychological Service Branch October 2003